Consolidating Information Relating to Duplicate Images

ABSTRACT

Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, are described for resolving duplicate images. In one aspect, a method includes obtaining a selection of a single image from among a plurality of duplicate images. Each duplicate image has an associated set of metadata. The method also includes aggregating each set of metadata into aggregated information, and storing the selected image together with the aggregated information on data storage accessible to a data processing apparatus.

BACKGROUND

This specification relates to resolving duplicate images, for example,by consolidating information relating to a set of duplicate images.Duplicate images sometimes result from or otherwise arise in imageorganizing and/or processing applications. For example, a low resolutionand/or size preview file can be generated along with an original, highresolution image file. In addition, duplicates can be generated whenimporting image files from a camera if some of currently imported imageshave been previously imported. In addition to duplicating images,applications sometimes generate and maintain duplicate sets ofassociated metadata. Under some circumstances, duplicate images andtheir respective sets of associated metadata are stored in an imagelibrary, or separately in different image libraries.

SUMMARY

This specification describes technologies relating to resolvingduplicate images from one or more library of digital images.Specifically, the described technologies relate to selecting an imagefrom among a set of duplicate images and consolidating informationrelating to each and every one of the set of duplicate images. Theselected image and the consolidated information can be retained forfuture use, while the unselected images from the set of duplicate imagescan be discarded.

In general, one aspect of the subject matter described in thisspecification can be implemented in methods that include the actions ofobtaining a selection of a single image from among a plurality ofduplicate images. Each duplicate image has an associated set ofmetadata. The methods also include aggregating each set of metadata intoaggregated information, and storing the selected image together with theaggregated information on data storage accessible to the data processingapparatus.

These and other implementations can include one or more of the followingfeatures. Each set of metadata can include one or more image attributes.An image attribute can include one of an image label, an acquisitiontime, an acquisition geo-location, a time when the duplicate image wasmodified, identity of faces depicted in the duplicate image, andinformation including an adjustment that was applied to the image, and atime when the adjustment was applied. The aggregated informationassociated with the selected image can include one or more aggregatedattributes corresponding to the respective one or more image attributesassociated with each duplicate image. An aggregated attributecorresponding to a respective image attribute can include a primaryattribute and a set of additional attributes.

In some implementations, the methods can further include organizing thestored image along with other non-duplicate images on the data storagebased on respective one or more primary attributes of the one or moreaggregated attributes included in the aggregated information associatedwith the stored image. For example, organizing can include at least oneof sorting, grouping, joining and classifying. Furthermore, the methodscan include providing a report of activity relating to the stored imagebased on respective one or more sets of additional attributes of the oneor more aggregated attributes included in the aggregated informationassociated with the stored image.

In some implementations, aggregating can include assigning as theprimary attribute of the aggregated attribute one of the respectiveimage attributes of the duplicate images based on an assignment rule,and forming the set of additional attributes of the aggregated attributefrom respective image attributes of the duplicate images that aredistinct from the primary attribute. For example, the assignment ruleincludes mapping a respective image attribute of the selected image tothe primary attribute of the aggregated attribute. As another example,the assignment rule includes mapping a respective image attribute thatwas input by a user associated with the data storage to the primaryattribute of the aggregated attribute. As another example, theassignment rule includes mapping a respective image attribute of anearliest duplicate image to the primary attribute of the aggregatedattribute. As another example, the assignment rule includes mapping arespective image attribute of a latest duplicate image to the primaryattribute of the aggregated attribute. As another example, theassignment rule includes mapping a respective image attribute that isnot null to the primary attribute of the aggregated attribute.

In addition, the methods can include mapping each of a set of additionaladdresses of network locations associated with unselected duplicateimages to a primary address of network location associated with aselected duplicate image.

The methods can also include discarding the duplicate images except forthe selected image. Additionally, the methods can include suggesting thesingle image from among the plurality of duplicate images. In someimplementations, obtaining the selection includes selecting thesuggested single image. In some implementations, obtaining the selectionincludes receiving an indication of the single image from a userassociated with the data storage.

The subject matter described in this specification can be implemented asa method or as a system or using computer program products, tangiblyembodied in information carriers, such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, aHD-DVD-ROM, a Blue-Ray drive, a semiconductor memory, and a hard disk.Such computer program products may cause a data processing apparatus toconduct one or more operations described in this specification. Inaddition, the subject matter described in this specification can also beimplemented as a system including a processor and a memory coupled tothe processor. The memory may encode one or more programs that cause theprocessor to perform one or more of the method acts described in thisspecification. Further the subject matter described in thisspecification can be implemented using various data processing machines.

Particular implementations of the subject matter described in thisspecification can be configured so as to realize one or more of thefollowing advantages. Aggregated information is configured to includenon-redundant (distinct) and complete information related to the set ofduplicate images. Accordingly, duplicate images can be removed withoutlosing added information and data which may be attached to them. Forinstance, a set of three duplicate images includes a first imageprocessed to remove red-eye, a second image uploaded online (e.g., to asocial networking site,) and third image used for a holiday card. Thedisclosed techniques ensure that the edits, the online status, or theholiday card status of the respective images would not be compromised(e.g., edits would not be lost or images would not be missing) when twoout of the three duplicates are deleted. In fact, the methods andsystems described in this specification ensure that upon removing two ofthe three duplicate images, the remaining image would be edited, wouldbe published on line, and would be part of the holiday card.

Further, the disclosed techniques potentially enable reducing thestorage space required for the complete information relating to the setof duplicate images, without compromising the completeness of theaggregated information. Moreover, the aggregated information can be usedto track activity related to the set of duplicated images.

Details of one or more implementations of the subject matter describedin this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and thedescription below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of thesubject matter will become apparent from the description, the drawings,and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is an illustration of multiple sets of duplicate images withinan image manipulation software application.

FIG. 1B is an example of a set of metadata associated with eachduplicate image.

FIG. 2A is a flow chart illustrating a method of storing aggregatedinformation associated with a set of duplicate images along with aselected image from among the set of duplicate images.

FIG. 2B is an example of aggregated information associated with a set ofduplicate images.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method of aggregating informationassociated with a set of duplicate images.

Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicatelike elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A is an illustration of multiple sets of duplicate images 125,125′ and 125″ within an image manipulation software application 100. Theimage manipulation software application 100 can run on a computer systemthat may be communicatively coupled to a public or private communicationnetwork. The computer system can be a laptop, a smart phone, and thelike.

The image manipulation software application 100 can include a viewingarea 110 configured to display a result 120 in accordance with an actioninitiated by a user associated with the image manipulation softwareapplication 100. In the case illustrated in FIG. 1A, a result 120 showsthat duplicates have been found for a number of images, e.g., photos andvideos, stored in one or more libraries accessed by the imagemanipulation software application 100. For example, a set of duplicatephotos 125 contains three duplicates, while another set of duplicatephotos 125′ contains four duplicates. As another example, a set ofduplicate videos 125″ contains two duplicates.

Upon receiving from a user associated with the image manipulationsoftware application 100 an instruction to find duplicates, the imagemanipulation software application 100 can analyze target imagelibraries, i.e., it can go through a set of image files and can performmultiple checks. A first check (representing a coarse-level filter) canbe comparing image file names. Upon identifying files that have commonnames, the application can check the content of the identified files.For example, the content check may include a file size comparison. Asanother example, the content check may include a bit-comparison. Thebit-comparison can be performed at full resolution, or at lower (half,quarter, etc.) resolution. In some implementations, the imagemanipulation software application 100 can first generate lowerresolution images of the identified images, and then it can perform thebit-comparison of the generated lower resolution images.

Once the analysis of the image library is completed, the imagemanipulation software application 100 can summarize 120 the outcome ofthe duplicate analysis and can present in the viewer area 110 sets ofduplicate images 125, 125′, 125″, etc. In addition, the imagemanipulation software application 100 can keep a selected image 127 andcan discard the unselected images from the set of duplicate images 125.The selected image 127 can be marked, e.g., using a “Keep” label andplacing the selected image 127 at the leftmost position of the set ofduplicate images 125. In some implementations, selection of theduplicates to keep may be made by a user associated with the imagemanipulation software application 100 on an item-by-item basis 130. Forexample, the image to keep may be presented in the leftmost position ofa set of duplicate images 125′ and may be marked “Click to Keep” 131. Insome implementations, selection of the duplicates to keep may beperformed automatically 140 by the image manipulation softwareapplication 100 (with a choice to undo the selection upon user request.)For example, the image manipulation software application 100 can suggest141 a video to keep from a set of duplicate videos 125″ (e.g., byplacing the video to keep in the leftmost position of a set of duplicateimages).

In some implementations, the image manipulation software application 100may further provide an indication of why it had chosen the image to keepfrom among the duplicate images. Additionally, the deleted duplicatesare placed in a Trash of the image manipulation software application 100(not the operating system Trash), i.e., duplicates are not being removedfrom storage and can be recovered if the user desires so.

The criterion for keeping a particular duplicate may include one or moreof a highest resolution, an earliest or latest acquisition time, alargest set of associated metadata, a previous modification (suggestingthat the user cares about that image), and the like. FIG. 1B is anexample of a set of metadata 150 associated with a duplicate image. Eachset of metadata 150 includes one or more image attributes 152. An imageattribute 152 can have a corresponding attribute value 154 and acorresponding record 156 to indicate how the attribute value wasentered.

For example, an image attribute 152 can be an image title 152-a. Inreference with FIG. 1B, the image title value is the string “Pat andclassmate”, and the image title was input by a user of the imagemanipulation software application 100 named Terry. In reference withFIG. 1A, the title value of image 127 is the string “IMG00005”, and theimage title was automatically assigned by an image capture device whichacquired image 127.

As another example, an image attribute 152 can be an acquisition time152-b. In this example, the acquisition time value is the date “May 16,2008”, and the acquisition time was automatically assigned by an imagecapture device which acquired the image. As yet another example, animage attribute 152 can be an acquisition geo-location 152-c. In thisexample, the acquisition geo-location value is null. A “null value” foran image attribute represents a lack of value for this image attribute.In this instance, the null acquisition geo-location was automaticallyassigned by an image capture device which acquired the image and had nomeans to detect the geo-location of the image capture device at the timewhen the image was acquired. If the image capture device were equippedwith a geo-location detection, the latitude and longitude of theacquisition geo-location can be recorded as the acquisition geo-locationvalue. Moreover, the acquisition geo-location value can be input by auser associated with the image manipulation software application 100,and may be, e.g., the string “UCLA campus.”

Another image attribute 152 can be a time when the duplicate image wasmodified. For example, a modify time value for the rightmost image ofthe set of duplicate images 125 in FIG. 1A is the daytime “Nov. 12, 200810:46,” which was automatically assigned by the image manipulationsoftware application 100, in this example Iphoto. Another imageattribute 152 can include identity of faces depicted in the duplicateimage. For example, a value for the identity of faces value may be thestring “Pat”. This value can be automatically assigned by the imagemanipulation software application 100 configured with a face recognitionfeature, or by a user, e.g. Jenny, associated with the imagemanipulation software application 100. Other image attributes 152 can bean adjustment (and/or a preset adjustment) that was applied to theimage, and a time when the adjustment was applied. For example, theadjustment value can be “Black-And-White” (B&W), and may have beenapplied automatically by the image manipulation software application 100upon importing an image from an image capture device. In anotherexample, the preset adjustment may be applied by a user associated withthe image manipulation software application 100. The value for the timewhen the adjustment was applied and how the value was assigned/input canbe recorded correspondingly. Other image attributes 152 can be an imagesize, e.g. 604×402 (0.24 MP) 123 KB, and an image type, e.g., PNG orRAW, and the like. Another image attribute 152 can include an address ofa network location (file path, hyperlink, and the like) where the imagewas uploaded to by a user associated with the image manipulationsoftware application 100. For example, the image was uploaded to asocial networking site by Jenny. As another example, the image wasincorporated in an online holiday card (or in an image collage, etc.)that was distributed, e.g. via email, to Terry's distribution list. Theset of metadata 150 associated with a duplicate image can includemultiple other image attributes.

Attribute values 154 (and/or respective assignment records 156)corresponding to a given attribute 152 included in sets of metadata 150associated with duplicate images can be relatively distinct or commonamong the set of duplicate images. For example, image 127 from the setof duplicate images 125 has a modify date value of Nov. 13, 2008; theother two images from the same set of duplicates 125 have a modify datevalue of Nov. 12, 2008 which is earlier relative to image 127, butcommon relative to each other. Further, image 127 may have been modifiedby a user of the image manipulation software application 100, while oneor both of the other two images from the same set may have beenautomatically modified by the image manipulation software application100. The techniques and systems disclosed in this specification enableconsolidation of the information included in multiple sets of metadataassociated with duplicate images. For example, as described in detail inconnection with FIGS. 2A-2B and 3, attributes 152 of duplicate imagesthat were selected for removal can be aggregated within aggregatedinformation associated with the image selected to keep.

FIG. 2A is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method 200 ofstoring aggregated information associated with a set of duplicate imagesalong with a selected image from among the set of duplicate images. Themethod 200 can be performed by a data processing apparatus and can beimplemented as part of the image manipulation software application 100.The method 200 includes obtaining 210 a selection of a single image fromamong a plurality of duplicate images. Each duplicate image has anassociated set of metadata. The method further includes aggregating 220each set of metadata into aggregated information. Furthermore, themethod 200 includes storing 230 the selected image together with theaggregated information on data storage accessible to the data processingapparatus. The method 200 can also include discarding 240 the duplicateimages except for the selected image.

In some implementations, obtaining 210 the selection of a single imagefrom among a plurality of duplicate images can be performedautomatically by the image manipulation software application 100. In theexample illustrated in FIG. 1A, the image manipulation softwareapplication 100 can suggest 141 an image to keep from a set ofduplicates (e.g., by placing the image to keep in the leftmost positionof a set of duplicate images). In this case, the suggested image can beautomatically selected for storage as a representative image of the setof duplicates. In some implementations, obtaining 210 the selection of asingle image from among a plurality of duplicate images can be performedby a user associates with the image manipulation software application100. For example, the image to keep may be presented by the imagemanipulation software application 100 in the leftmost position of a setof duplicate images and may be marked “Click to Keep” 131.

Aggregating 220 each set of metadata into aggregated informationincludes consolidating information into aggregated attributescorresponding to the image attributes described above in connection withFIG. 1B. Moreover, FIG. 2B is an example of aggregated information 222associated with a set of duplicate images. The aggregated information222 associated with the selected image includes one or more aggregatedattributes 224 corresponding to the respective one or more imageattributes 152 associated with each duplicate image. An aggregatedattribute 224 corresponding to a respective image attribute 152 includesa primary attribute 226 and a set of additional attributes 228.

An example of an aggregated attribute 224 is a title 224-a. The primaryattribute 226 corresponding to the title 224-a represents the primarytitle and can be the title of duplicate image “j”, for instance. Theduplicate image “j” can (but does not need to) be the selected duplicateimage. The set of additional titles corresponding to the title 224-a caninclude titles of the other duplicate images “i”, “k”, . . . , that aredistinct from the primary title. Detailed rules for assigning a primaryattribute 226 and for forming a set of additional attributes 228 aredescribed in detail below in connection with FIG. 3. In this example,the title of image “j” is assigned as the primary title because it mayhave been entered by a user of the image manipulation softwareapplication 100, in contrast with the titles of the other duplicateimages “i”, “k”, . . . , which may have been automatically generated,either by a camera that captured the original image, or by the imagemanipulation software application 100. As another example, consider theset of duplicate images 125 illustrated in FIG. 1A. In this example,each of the three duplicates 125 has the same title “IMG00005” which wasautomatically assigned by the camera that captured the original image.In this example, the primary title corresponding to the title 224-a is“IMG00005”. Further in this example, the additional set of titlescorresponding to the title 224-a is null, since there are no distincttitles to be included in the set of additional titles. A null setrepresents a set that has zero elements or an empty set.

Another example of an aggregated attribute 224 is an acquisition time224-b. The primary attribute 226 corresponding to the acquisition time224-b represents the acquisition time of the original image. The set ofadditional acquisition times corresponding to the acquisition time 224-bis null as the acquisition time of any of the duplicate image is unique,i.e., indistinguishable from the primary acquisition time.

Another example of an aggregated attribute 224 is an acquisitiongeo-location 224-c. The primary attribute 226 corresponding to theacquisition geo-location 224-c represents the acquisition geo-locationof duplicate image “i”. Further, the duplicate image “i” may be the onlyone among the set of duplicate images having a geo-location that hadbeen entered by a user associated with the image manipulation softwareapplication 100. Furthermore, the duplicate image “i” can (but does notneed to) be the selected duplicate image. The set of additionalacquisition geo-locations corresponding to the acquisition geo-location224-c is null as no other duplicate images has a recorded geo-location,in this instance.

Another example of an aggregated attribute 224 is a modify time 224-d.The primary attribute 226 corresponding to the modify time 224-drepresents the primary modify time, and is the modify time of theselected duplicate image (e.g., “j”). The set of additional modify timescorresponding to the modify time 224-d includes modify times of theunselected duplicate images (e.g., “i”, “k”, . . . ) that are distinctfrom the primary modify time. For instance, consider the set ofduplicate images 125 illustrated in FIG. 1A. In this instance, theprimary modify time corresponds to the modify time of the selected image127, namely Nov. 13, 2008 1:24 μM. The set of additional modify timescorresponding to the modify time 224-d includes one element, namely Nov.12, 2008 10:46 AM, which corresponds to a common modify time of theunselected images of the set of duplicate images 125.

Another example of an aggregated attribute 224 is an identity of facesdepicted in an image 224-e. The primary attribute 226 corresponding tothe identity of faces 224-e represents the identity of faces depicted induplicate image “k”. Further, the duplicate image “k” may be the onlyone among the set of duplicate images having identified faces that hadbeen identified by a user associated with the image manipulationsoftware application 100 or that had been automatically identified bythe image manipulation software application 100. Furthermore, theduplicate image “k” can (but does not need to) be the selected duplicateimage. The set of additional identities of faces corresponding to theidentity of faces 224-e is null since no other duplicate images has arecorded identity of faces, in this instance.

Another example of an aggregated attribute 224 is an adjustment type224-f. The primary attribute 226 corresponding to the adjustment type224-f represents the adjustment type of duplicate image “j”. Further,the duplicate image “j” may be the only one among the set of duplicateimages having been adjusted by a user associated with the imagemanipulation software application 100 or that had been automaticallyadjusted by the image manipulation software application 100.Furthermore, the duplicate image “j” can (but does not need to) be theselected duplicate image. The set of additional adjustment typescorresponding to the adjustment type 224-f is null since no otherduplicate images have been adjusted, in this instance. An adjustmentdate 224-g corresponds to and is determined in a similar manner as theadjustment type 224-f.

Another example of an aggregated attribute 224 is a size 224-h. Theprimary attribute 226 corresponding to the size 224-h represents theprimary size, and is the size of the selected duplicate image (e.g.,“j”). The set of additional sizes corresponding to the size 224-hincludes sizes of the unselected duplicate images (e.g., “i”, “k”, . . .) that are distinct from the primary size. For instance, consider theset of duplicate images 125 illustrated in FIG. 1A. In this instance,the primary size corresponds to the size of the selected image 127,namely 3504×2336 (8.2 MP) 1.4 MB. The set of additional sizescorresponding to the size 224-h includes one element, namely 2756×1837(5 MP) 1.1 MB, which corresponds to a size of one of the unselectedimages that is distinct from the primary size.

Another example of an aggregated attribute 224 is a file type 224-i. Theprimary attribute 226 corresponding to the file type 224-i representsthe primary file type, and is the file type of the selected duplicateimage (e.g., “j”). The set of additional file types corresponding to thefile type 224-i includes file types of the unselected duplicate images(e.g., “i”, “k”, . . . ) that are distinct from the primary file types.For instance, consider the set of duplicate images 125 illustrated inFIG. 1A. In this instance, the primary file type corresponds to the filetype of the selected image 127, namely TIFF. The set of additional filetypes corresponding to the file type 224-i includes one element, namelyPNG, which corresponds to a file type of one of the unselected imagesthat is distinct from the primary file type. The aggregated information222 associated with a set of duplicate images can include multiple otheraggregated attributes.

Another example of an aggregated attribute 224 is an address of networklocation 224-j. The primary attribute 226 corresponding to a hyperlink224-j represents the address of network location at which the duplicateimage “j” was uploaded by a user associated with the image manipulationsoftware application 100. In some instances, the duplicate image “j” maybe the only one among the set of duplicate images having been uploadedto a specified webpage or to a social networking site. Furthermore, theduplicate image “j” can (but does not need to) be the selected duplicateimage. In these instances, the set of additional addresses of networklocations corresponding to the address of network location 224-j is nullsince no other duplicate images have been uploaded. In some otherinstances, the set of additional addresses of network locationscorresponding to the address of network location 224-j includesaddresses of network locations of the unselected duplicate images (e.g.,“i”, . . . ) that are distinct from the primary address of networklocation. For instance, a network address corresponding to duplicate-“i”that has been distributed as part of a holiday card may be an address ofthe holiday card's network location. Moreover, the network addressesfrom among the set of additional addresses of network locationscorresponding to the unselected duplicate images can be automaticallymapped to the primary address of network location 224-j. For example,the holiday card which was generated using the unselected duplicateimage “i” is being updated automatically upon performing method 200 toinclude the selected duplicate image “j” corresponding to the primaryaddress of network location 224-j.

Returning to the method 200 illustrated in FIG. 2A, in someimplementations, storing 230 the selected image together with theaggregated information 222 on data storage can be performed by the imagemanipulation software application 100 for readily organizing the storedimage along with other non-duplicate images stored on the data storage.The organizing can be based on respective one or more primary attributes226 of the one or more aggregated attributes 224 included in theaggregated information 222 associated with the stored image. Forexample, the organizing can include at least one of sorting, grouping,joining and classifying the stored image along with other non-duplicatedimages stored on the data storage. Additionally, respective one or moresets of additional attributes 228 of the one or more aggregatedattributes 224 included in the aggregated information 222 associatedwith the stored image can be used for providing a report of activity(history) relating to the stored image.

In some implementations, discarding 240 the unselected duplicate imagescan be performed automatically by the image manipulation softwareapplication 100. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1A, the imagemanipulation software application 100 can move the unselected imagesfrom the set of duplicates 125, 125′ and 125″ to the application trash.However, items moved from an image library to the trash of the imagemanipulation software application 100 can be restored to originatingimage libraries in response to instructions received from a userassociated with the image manipulation software application 100.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method 300 ofaggregating information associated with a set of duplicate images. Insome implementations, the method 300 can performed by a data processingapparatus and can be implemented as part of the image manipulationsoftware application 100. The method 300 includes assigning 310 as theprimary attribute 226 of the aggregated attribute 224 one of therespective image attributes 152 of the duplicate images based on anassignment rule. Further, the method 300 includes forming 370 the set ofadditional attributes 228 of the aggregated attribute 224 fromrespective image attributes 152 of the duplicate images that aredistinct from the primary attribute 226.

In some implementations, the assignment rule can included mapping 320 arespective image attribute 152 of the selected image to the primaryattribute 226 of the aggregated attribute 224. For example, the primaryattributes 226 included in aggregated information 222 can have aone-to-one correspondence to the respective attributes 152 included inthe set of metadata 150 associated with the selected image.

In some implementations, the assignment rule can include mapping 330 arespective image attribute 152 that was input by a user associated withthe image manipulation software application 100 to the primary attribute226 of the aggregated attribute 224. In this manner, the imagemanipulation software application 100 assigns to the primary attributes226 corresponding image attributes 152 having values 154 that wereentered and validated by the user associated with the image manipulationsoftware application 100.

In some implementations, the assignment rule can include mapping 340 arespective image attribute 152 of an earliest modified duplicate imageto the primary attribute 226 of the aggregated attribute 224. Forexample, the image manipulation software application 100 may assign tothe primary attributes 226 many or all corresponding image attributes152 of the originally captured image.

In some implementations, the assignment rule can also include mapping350 a respective image attribute 152 of a latest modified duplicateimage to the primary attribute 226 of the aggregated attribute 224. Inthis manner, the image manipulation software application 100 assigns tothe primary attributes 226 the most recent corresponding imageattributes 152 available among the set of duplicate images.

In some implementations, the assignment rule can include mapping 360 arespective image attribute 152 that is not null to the primary attribute226 of the aggregated attribute 224. In this manner, the imagemanipulation software application 100 may generate information richprimary attributes 226 of the aggregated attributes 224.

Additionally, the assignment rule can include combinations of themapping 320, 330, 340, 350 and 360 for generating the primary attribute226 of the aggregated attribute 224. For example, the assignment rulecan include performing first mapping 340 a respective image attribute152 of an earliest modified duplicate image to the primary attribute 226of the aggregated attribute 224, and then performing mapping 360 arespective image attribute 152 that is not null to the primary attribute226 of the aggregated attribute 224. As another example, the assignmentrule can include performing first mapping 330 a respective imageattribute 152 that was input by a user associated with the imagemanipulation software application 100 to the primary attribute 226 ofthe aggregated attribute 224, and then performing mapping 320 arespective image attribute 152 of the selected image to the primaryattribute 226 of the aggregated attribute 224.

A multitude of computing devices may be used to implement the systemsand methods described in this document, as either a client or as aserver or plurality of servers. A computing device can be implemented invarious forms of digital computers, such as laptops, desktops,workstations, personal digital assistants, servers, blade servers,mainframes, and other appropriate computers. Another computing devicecan be implemented in various forms of mobile devices, such as personaldigital assistants, cellular telephones, smartphones, and other similarcomputing devices. Additionally, computing devices can include UniversalSerial Bus (USB) flash drives. The USB flash drives may store operatingsystems and other applications. The USB flash drives can includeinput/output components, such as a wireless transmitter or USB connectorthat may be inserted into a USB port of another computing device. Thecomponents described here, their connections and relationships, andtheir functions, are meant to be exemplary only, and are not meant tolimit implementations of the inventions described and/or claimed in thisdocument.

A computing device can include a processor, memory, a storage device, ahigh-speed interface connecting to memory and high-speed expansionports. The computing device can further include a low speed interfaceconnecting to a low speed bus and a storage device. Each of the abovecomponents can be interconnected using various busses, and may bemounted on a common motherboard or in other manners as appropriate. Theprocessor can process instructions for execution within the computingdevice, including instructions stored in the memory or on the storagedevice to display graphical information for a GUI on an externalinput/output device, such as a display coupled to high speed interface.In other implementations, multiple processors and/or multiple buses maybe used, as appropriate, along with multiple memories and types ofmemory. Also, multiple computing devices may be connected, with eachdevice providing portions of the necessary operations (e.g., as a serverbank, a group of blade servers, or a multi-processor system).

The memory can store information within the computing device. In oneimplementation, the memory can be a volatile memory unit or units. Inanother implementation, the memory can be a non-volatile memory unit orunits. The memory may also be another form of computer-readable medium,such as a magnetic or optical disk.

The storage device can provide mass storage for the computing device. Inone implementation, the storage device may be or contain acomputer-readable medium, such as a floppy disk device, a hard diskdevice, an optical disk device, or a tape device, a flash memory orother similar solid state memory device, or an array of devices,including devices in a storage area network or other configurations. Acomputer program product can be tangibly embodied in an informationcarrier. The computer program product may also contain instructionsthat, when executed, perform one or more methods, such as thosedescribed above. The information carrier is a computer- ormachine-readable medium, such as the memory, the storage device, ormemory on processor.

The high speed controller can manage bandwidth-intensive operations forthe computing device, while the low speed controller can manage lowerbandwidth-intensive operations. Such allocation of functions isexemplary only. In one implementation, the high-speed controller can becoupled to memory, to a display (e.g., through a graphics processor oraccelerator), and to high-speed expansion ports, which may acceptvarious expansion cards. In the implementation, low-speed controller canbe coupled to the storage device and the low-speed expansion port. Thelow-speed expansion port, which may include various communication ports(e.g., USB, Bluetooth, Ethernet, wireless Ethernet) may be coupled toone or more input/output devices, such as a keyboard, a pointing device,a scanner, or a networking device such as a switch or router, e.g.,through a network adapter.

The computing device may be implemented in a number of different forms.For example, it may be implemented as a standard server, or multipletimes in a group of such servers. It may also be implemented as part ofa rack server system. In addition, it may be implemented in a personalcomputer such as a laptop computer. Alternatively, components fromcomputing device may be combined with other components in a mobiledevice. Each of such devices may contain one or more computing devicesor mobile devices, and an entire system may be made up of multiplecomputing devices and mobile devices communicating with each other.

A mobile device can include a processor, memory, an input/output devicesuch as a display, a communication interface, and a transceiver, amongother components. The mobile device may also be provided with a storagedevice, such as a microdrive or other device, to provide additionalstorage. Each of the above components is interconnected using variousbuses, and several of the components may be mounted on a commonmotherboard or in other manners as appropriate.

The processor can execute instructions within the mobile device,including instructions stored in the memory. The processor of the mobiledevice may be implemented as a chipset of chips that include separateand multiple analog and digital processors. Additionally, the processormay be implemented using any of a number of architectures. For example,the processor may be a CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computers)processor, a RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) processor, or aMISC (Minimal Instruction Set Computer) processor. The processor mayprovide, for example, for coordination of the other components of themobile device, such as control of user interfaces, applications run bythe mobile device, and wireless communication by the mobile device.

The processor of the mobile device may communicate with a user throughcontrol interface and display interface coupled to a display. Thedisplay may be, for example, a Thin-Film-Transistor Liquid Crystaldisplay or an Organic Light Emitting Diode display, or other appropriatedisplay technology. The display interface may include appropriatecircuitry for driving the display to present graphical and otherinformation to a user. The control interface may receive commands from auser and convert them for submission to the processor of the mobiledevice. In addition, an external interface may provide in communicationwith processor of the mobile device, so as to enable near areacommunication of the mobile device with other devices. The externalinterface may provide, for example, for wired communication in someimplementations, or for wireless communication in other implementations,and multiple interfaces may also be used.

The memory stores information within the computing mobile device. Thememory can be implemented as one or more of a computer-readable mediumor media, a volatile memory unit or units, or a non-volatile memory unitor units. An expansion memory may also be provided and connected to themobile device through an expansion interface, which may include, forexample, a SIMM (Single In Line Memory Module) card interface. Suchexpansion memory may provide extra storage space for the mobile device,or may also store applications or other information for the mobiledevice. Specifically, expansion memory may include instructions to carryout or supplement the processes described above, and may include secureinformation also. Thus, for example, expansion memory may be provide asa security module for the mobile device, and may be programmed withinstructions that permit secure use of device. In addition, secureapplications may be provided via the SIMM cards, along with additionalinformation, such as placing identifying information on the SIMM card ina non-hackable manner.

The memory may include, for example, flash memory and/or NVRAM memory,as discussed below. In one implementation, a computer program product istangibly embodied in an information carrier. The computer programproduct contains instructions that, when executed, perform one or moremethods, such as those described above. The information carrier is acomputer- or machine-readable medium, such as the memory, expansionmemory, or memory on processor that may be received, for example, overtransceiver or external interface.

The mobile device may communicate wirelessly through communicationinterface, which may include digital signal processing circuitry wherenecessary. Communication interface may provide for communications undervarious modes or protocols, such as GSM voice calls, SMS, EMS, or MMSmessaging, CDMA, TDMA, PDC, WCDMA, CDMA2000, or GPRS, among others. Suchcommunication may occur, for example, through a radio-frequencytransceiver. In addition, short-range communication may occur, such asusing a Bluetooth, WiFi, or other such transceiver (not shown). Inaddition, GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver module may provideadditional navigation- and location-related wireless data to the mobiledevice, which may be used as appropriate by applications running on themobile device.

The mobile device may also communicate audibly using audio codec, whichmay receive spoken information from a user and convert it to usabledigital information. Audio codec may likewise generate audible sound fora user, such as through a speaker, e.g., in a handset of the mobiledevice. The sound may include sound from voice telephone calls, mayinclude recorded sound (e.g., voice messages, music files, etc.) and mayalso include sound generated by applications operating on the mobiledevice.

The mobile computing device may be implemented in a number of differentforms. For example, it may be implemented as a cellular telephone. Itmay also be implemented as part of a smartphone, personal digitalassistant, or other similar mobile device.

Various implementations of the systems and techniques described here canbe realized in digital electronic circuitry, integrated circuitry,specially designed ASICs (application specific integrated circuits),computer hardware, firmware, software, and/or combinations thereof.These various implementations can include implementation in one or morecomputer programs that are executable and/or interpretable on aprogrammable system including at least one programmable processor, whichmay be special or general purpose, coupled to receive data andinstructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a storagesystem, at least one input device, and at least one output device.

These computer programs (also known as programs, software, softwareapplications or code) include machine instructions for a programmableprocessor, and can be implemented in a high-level procedural and/orobject-oriented programming language, and/or in assembly/machinelanguage. As used herein, the terms “machine-readable medium”“computer-readable medium” refers to any computer program product,apparatus and/or device (e.g., magnetic discs, optical disks, memory,Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs)) used to provide machine instructionsand/or data to a programmable processor, including a machine-readablemedium that receives machine instructions as a machine-readable signal.The term “machine-readable signal” refers to any signal used to providemachine instructions and/or data to a programmable processor.

To provide for interaction with a user, the systems and techniquesdescribed here can be implemented on a computer having a display device(e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor)for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointingdevice (e.g., a mouse or a trackball) by which the user can provideinput to the computer. Other kinds of devices can be used to provide forinteraction with a user as well; for example, feedback provided to theuser can be any form of sensory feedback (e.g., visual feedback,auditory feedback, or tactile feedback); and input from the user can bereceived in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input.

The systems and techniques described here can be implemented in acomputing system that includes a back end component (e.g., as a dataserver), or that includes a middleware component (e.g., an applicationserver), or that includes a front end component (e.g., a client computerhaving a graphical user interface or a Web browser through which a usercan interact with an implementation of the systems and techniquesdescribed here), or any combination of such back end, middleware, orfront end components. The components of the system can be interconnectedby any form or medium of digital data communication (e.g., acommunication network). Examples of communication networks include alocal area network (“LAN”), a wide area network (“WAN”), peer-to-peernetworks (having ad-hoc or static members), grid computinginfrastructures, and the Internet.

The computing system can include clients and servers. A client andserver are generally remote from each other and typically interactthrough a communication network. The relationship of client and serverarises by virtue of computer programs running on the respectivecomputers and having a client-server relationship to each other.

While this specification contains many specific implementation details,these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of anyinventions or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions offeatures specific to particular implementations of particularinventions. Certain features that are described in this specification inthe context of separate implementations can also be implemented incombination in a single implementation. Conversely, various featuresthat are described in the context of a single implementation can also beimplemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitablesubcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above asacting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, oneor more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excisedfrom the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to asubcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particularorder, this should not be understood as requiring that such operationsbe performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, orthat all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirableresults. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processingmay be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various systemcomponents in the implementations described above should not beunderstood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and itshould be understood that the described program components and systemscan generally be integrated together in a single software product orpackaged into multiple software products.

Thus, particular implementations of the subject matter have beendescribed. Other implementations are within the scope of the followingclaims. In some cases, the actions recited in the claims can beperformed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. Inaddition, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do notnecessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, toachieve desirable results. In certain implementations, multitasking andparallel processing may be advantageous.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method performed by data processing apparatus,the method comprising: obtaining a selection of a single image fromamong a plurality of duplicate images, each duplicate image having anassociated set of metadata; aggregating each set of metadata intoaggregated information; and storing the selected image together with theaggregated information on data storage accessible to the data processingapparatus.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein each set of metadatacomprises one or more image attributes.
 3. The method of claim 2,wherein an image attribute includes one of: an image label; anacquisition time; an acquisition geo-location; a time when the duplicateimage was modified; identity of faces depicted in the duplicate image;an address of a network location to which the image has been uploaded;and information including an adjustment that was applied to the image,and a time when the adjustment was applied.
 4. The method of claim 2,wherein the aggregated information associated with the selected imageincludes one or more aggregated attributes corresponding to therespective one or more image attributes associated with each duplicateimage.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein an aggregated attributecorresponding to a respective image attribute comprises a primaryattribute and a set of additional attributes.
 6. The method of claim 5,further comprising: organizing the stored image along with othernon-duplicate images on the data storage based on respective one or moreprimary attributes of the one or more aggregated attributes included inthe aggregated information associated with the stored image.
 7. Themethod of claim 6, wherein said organizing comprising at least one ofsorting, grouping, joining and classifying.
 8. The method of claim 5,further comprising: providing a report of activity relating to thestored image based on respective one or more sets of additionalattributes of the one or more aggregated attributes included in theaggregated information associated with the stored image.
 9. The methodof claim 5, wherein said aggregating comprises: assigning as the primaryattribute of the aggregated attribute one of the respective imageattributes of the duplicate images based on an assignment rule; andforming the set of additional attributes of the aggregated attributefrom respective image attributes of the duplicate images that aredistinct from the primary attribute.
 10. The method of claim 9, whereinthe assignment rule comprises mapping a respective image attribute ofthe selected image to the primary attribute of the aggregated attribute.11. The method of claim 9, wherein the assignment rule comprises mappinga respective image attribute that was input by a user associated withthe data storage to the primary attribute of the aggregated attribute.12. The method of claim 9, wherein the assignment rule comprises mappinga respective image attribute of an earliest duplicate image to theprimary attribute of the aggregated attribute.
 13. The method of claim9, wherein the assignment rule comprises mapping a respective imageattribute of a latest duplicate image to the primary attribute of theaggregated attribute.
 14. The method of claim 9, wherein the assignmentrule comprises mapping a respective image attribute that is not null tothe primary attribute of the aggregated attribute.
 15. The method ofclaim 5, further comprising: mapping each of a set of additionaladdresses of network locations associated with unselected duplicateimages to a primary address of network location associated with aselected duplicate image.
 16. The method of claim 1, further comprising:discarding the duplicate images except for the selected image.
 17. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: suggesting the single image fromamong the plurality of duplicate images; and wherein said obtaining theselection includes selecting the suggested single image.
 18. The methodof claim 1, wherein said obtaining the selection includes receiving anindication of the single image from a user associated with the datastorage.
 19. A computer storage medium encoded with a computer program,the program comprising instructions that when executed by dataprocessing apparatus cause the data processing apparatus to performoperations comprising: obtaining a selection of a single image fromamong a plurality of duplicate images, each duplicate image having anassociated set of metadata comprising one or more image attributes;aggregating each set of metadata into aggregated information includingone or more aggregated attributes corresponding to the respective one ormore image attributes associated with each duplicate image; storing theselected image together with the aggregated information on data storageaccessible to the data processing apparatus; and discarding theduplicate images except for the selected image.
 20. The computer storagemedium of claim 19, wherein an aggregated attribute corresponding to arespective image attribute comprises a primary attribute and a set ofadditional attributes, and wherein the aggregating operation comprises:assigning as the primary attribute of the aggregated attribute one ofthe respective image attributes of the duplicate images based on anassignment rule; and forming the set of additional attributes of theaggregated attribute from respective image attributes of the duplicateimages that are distinct from the primary attribute.
 21. A systemcomprising: data storage configured to store frames; and one or moreprocessors communicatively coupled with the data storage and configuredto perform operations comprising: obtaining a selection of a singleframe from among a plurality of duplicate frames stored on the datastorage, each duplicate frame having an associated set of metadatacomprising one or more frame attributes; aggregating each set ofmetadata into aggregated information including one or more aggregatedattributes corresponding to the respective one or more frame attributesassociated with each duplicate frame, wherein an aggregated attributecorresponding to a respective frame attribute comprises a primaryattribute and a set of additional attributes, and wherein theaggregating operation comprises: assigning as the primary attribute ofthe aggregated attribute one of the respective frame attributes of theduplicate frames based on an assignment rule including mapping arespective frame attribute that is not null to the primary attribute ofthe aggregated attribute; and forming the set of additional attributesof the aggregated attribute from respective frame attributes of theduplicate frames that are distinct from the primary attribute; storingthe selected frame together with the aggregated information on the datastorage; and discarding the duplicate frames except for the selectedframe.